As far as the point that perceptions matter, they do to other people even if those of whom the perceptions are about suggest they don’t.  I find it interesting that though people may say they “don’t care what other people think”, they are the first to object to the vocalization of such perceptions.  Regarding the health care reform movement going on, I hear much about quelling the “misinformation” that is being spread by opponents to this policy.  (Is it ok to spread misinformation to garner support of Health Care Reform?)  What I did find interesting and admirable about our previous President, George W. Bush, was that he seem to show the negative perceptions others had of him did matter to him, but he didn’t do much to quell them.  What is the point to try to set the record straight to those who didn’t need a truthful correction because their minds were already made up: BUSH IS BAD, BUSH IS DUMB, BUSH HAS ONLY FAILED POLICIES!?  He sought, so he says, to govern out of principles rather than from popularity.  After 9/11 he had popularity.  At the end of his presidency, he did not.  I’m glad he didn’t go on a constant tirade of the unfairness of the mainstream media.  Some may see that as a concession of guilt, but I saw it as a sign of character.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2

Always remember … You Are loved!

Warren

To take Peggy’s point a step further, the Obama Presidency window has nearly passed. The State of The Union marks the end of his first term. Midterm Campaigning begins immediately and will drive all policy in 2010 (if he hopes to hold any ground in Congress) and then he’ll go about the business of getting himself re-elected. 

First impressions are always critical, but when your window of “HOPE” & “CHANGE” is so truncated, you can’t afford these type of missteps.

I agree with Peggy on perception, but I’m not sure we can analyze or interpret his political gestures quite yet. What I will say is he is intentionally gaining political favor by these gestures… I’m just not sure it’s to our benefit. 

Obama worked media and technology to win the Oval Office… why is he not working it to win hearts and minds?

Or, better… why are his advisors not?

Man, I wish I was back there and able to help…

–
I made magic once.  Now, the sofa is gone.

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I will say that I would not have even noticed or cared about the Obama bow if it hadn’t been pointed out.

I honestly don’t think President Obama and his team know what kind of impression or perception they want to foster – or they’re too busy trying to play catch-up that they are unable to pull back and regroup to the concept they want to promote.

Unfortunately for them, there really isn’t a way to take a day or two off to retreat, regroup and reapply themselves.

In regard to”

“Unfortunately for them, there really isn’t a way to take a day or two off to retreat, regroup and reapply themselves.”

I think if Mr. President would spend a couple of days in his office instead of giving speeches and going on TV he might be able to regroup and reapply himself.

If anything has been proven here it’s that sometimes you can have too much media attention. Eventually, people will want you to just shut up and do something…

I can go back a little further, Paul.  I remember clips of speeches from President Johnson; then it was 50,000 more troops to Vietnam.